Job title: Solicitor | Grade: 6 | Employment type: permanent | Hours: full time (35 hours per week) | Starting salary: £49,280 | Directorate: Client Legal Services | Department: Public Defence Solicitors’ Office | Location: Edinburgh | Closing date: 1 March 2026 (23:55)
We’re looking for a committed and confident criminal defence solicitor to join our Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) in Edinburgh. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of clients, delivering high-quality legal representation in both solemn and summary proceedings.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing legal advice and representation to clients at police stations and in criminal courts as a nominated and duty solicitor
* Applying best practice and legal procedures to ensure effective case handling and operational efficiency
* Building and maintaining a local client base through excellent service and representation
* Representing PDSO in liaison with external organisations to support the wider objectives of Client Legal Services
* Contributing to staff training and development.
To succeed in this role, you will need:
* A current, unrestricted practising certificate and enrolment as a solicitor with the Law Society of Scotland (or a pending application)
* Strong experience in Scots criminal law and criminal court procedure
* Experience advising clients in police detention and managing cases across summary and solemn courts
* Sound judgement and the ability to make objective, informed decisions under pressure
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills – persuasive, clear and client-focused
* Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills with an eye for quality
* A proactive, driven mindset with a high standard of personal ethics and professionalism
* A valid driving licence for travel to courts, client meetings, and other PDSO offices.
What we offer:
* A meaningful role where your work makes a real impact
* A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven working environment
* Opportunities for learning and professional development
* Flexible working to support a healthy work-life balance
* A competitive salary and benefits package, including pension contributions
* Generous annual leave entitlement (34 days, rising to 42 days after two years’ service)
* Enhanced family-friendly leave entitlements
* Access to wellbeing support, mental health support and an employee assistance programme
* Access to a wide range of discounts (including gym and retail) and the Cycle to Work scheme through our partner Edenred
For more details about this role and a full list of essential criteria and required competencies, please see the Job Description.
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